On the recordJune 18, 2012
Senator Hatch and I submitted a resolution to increase awareness of Polycystic Kidney Disease, PKD, a life- threatening genetic illness. PKD is the most common genetic illness, and over 600,000 people have been diagnosed with PKD nationwide. There is no treatment or cure for this devastating disease. Families and friends provide unwavering support to their suffering loved ones. But there is hope. The PKD Foundation has reported the discovery of specific genes involved in the development of PKD, allowing for the development of clinical trials. While scientists continue researching to find new treatments and cures for PKD, others are working to bring awareness. Every year, the PKD Foundation holds an annual fundraising walk for PKD. In Wisconsin, where over 11,000 patients are living with the disease, residents gather across the state to take part in this very special walk. To support these efforts, I propose that Congress increase public awareness of the disease by designating the week of June 17 to 23 of this year as ``National Polycystic Kidney Disease Awareness Week.'' We will be taking a positive step toward finding a cure for this disease by increasing awareness. I trust that my colleagues will see how designating a week to this disease will help those afflicted by polycystic kidney disease, and I hope for my colleagues' full support of this important resolution.
